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Show HILLTOP TIMES TIMES 13 May 20, 2010 Air Force fitness program PAINTING WITH DISTINCTION revisions begin July 1 BY JON HANSON Air Force Personnel Center Public-Affairs Office R ANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — In less than two months, Airmen across the globe will begin testing against new fitness assessment standards. These standards were deemed necessary by senior Air Force leaders to ensure a fitter and healthier fighting force. Changes include bi-annual testing, minimum requirements within testing components and establishing fitness assessment cells to proctor tests. "Our senior leadership has gone to great lengths to ensure every Airman stays fit year round," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Long, the Air Force's chief of enlisted promotions, evaluations and fitness policy. "We want all Airmen to take fitness seriously — we intend that the days of 'cramming' for the annual fitness test will be replaced by an emphasis on year-round fitness. We were the only military service who did not test at least twice a year, and it's a definite step in the right direction to change the Air Force fitness culture." Although twice-a-year testing began Jan. 1, the Air Force delayed implementing the new fitness program until July 1 when Air Force Instruction 36-2905 becomes effective. The program promotes aerobic and muscular fitness, flexibility and optimal body composition for Air Force members. During the bi-annual fitness assessments, Airmen will receive an overall composite fitness score based on four components: a 1.5mile timed run for aerobic fitness, body composition and the muscular fitness components of pushups and sit-ups. Additionally, Airmen must meet minimum requirements as defined by the new instruction for each of the four components. Components are weighted as follows: 60 points for aerobic, 20 points for body composition, 10 points for pushups, and 10 points for sit-ups, for a total of 100 possible points. Another key change is the use of fitness assessment cells where trained civilian employees administer the fitness assessment. The purpose of these cells is to reduce the administrative burden on squadrons and maximize consistency in testing. "The fitness program changes will help the Air Force in many ways," Long said. "They will help our Airmen stay healthier and help reduce associated medical costs in this budget constrained environment. "Most important is (that) a fitter force will help ensure we meet and exceed mission requirements." To learn more about the new fitness program, visit www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ affitnessprogram. ALEX R. LLOYD/U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kenneth DeVito (left) and Airman 1st Class Andrew Wilson, both of the 75th Security Forces Squadron, stand next to the buffalo they painted. The buffalo, which stands outside of Building 180, was awarded to the 75th SFS for being named the Annual Team of 2009, plus the Team of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2010. DeVito and Wilson painted the buffalo with an Air Battle Uniform pattern to represent the operations tempo for their squadron, and added the 75th SFS badge, chant and motto, "Protect and serve," as well. The buffalo also shows the Air Force logo and Core Values. Consider giving the gift of life' through blood donation M "ore and more enlisted personnel and civilian workers are donating blood n base each month. What's stopping you? • A base blood drive will be held Friday, May 21, at the 419th Medical Training Center, Building 568, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. If you have questions about possible conditions that prevent donation consider the following which is the latest on some of the prohibitions: A cold, sore throat, infection and flu will defer you for 72 hours after you are symptom free. Receiving oral polio vaccines will defer you for two weeks i Measles, mumps, Rubella vacinations will delay your donation by four weeks Childbirth, miscarraige or an abortion will require a wait of six weeks Receiving a smallpox vaccination will defer you for eight weeks Barring any of these causes for a temporary deferral, please consider giving "the gift of life" this week. Questions? Call 1 (877) 45B-LOOD. Couple earn University of Phoenix MBAs, graduate together BY CATHERINE MCNALLY Hilltop Times staff W ith work, volunteering, church groups, Basic Communications Officer Training and more, Edward and Rosalind Landers are both busy people. That cftdn't stop them, however, from jumping at the chance to further their education and together earn their'Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. . The couple, who both work in the 75th Air Base Wing Communications and Information Directorate, participated in the University of Phoenix's "FjexNet" program, which has students take part in a traditional classroom setting for the first and last classes of the session, and an online setting for the rest. : - They started their journey in 2008, and by the time they both finished in 2010 (Edward finished in 2009 but delayed his graduation so he could walk With his wife), they had completed 10 six-week courses. ;: For most people, online classes can be intimidating, but the Landers found that once they got used to the format, they both enjoyed participating online. 1 j "Honestly I was totally against the online (and) that was another reasiJn: why we had chosen (FlexNet) bepause it had both," Rosalind said. "However, I still ended up taking an opljne class and it wasn't as scary 3 had thought. You learn just "as j£ Online classes also meshed well Mlh the Landers' busy schedule, which included temporary duty assignments. "The FlexNet or just the online gives you that flexibility to be anywhere," Edward explained. "Our first class together I had to go TDY and I was still able to participate with all of the homework and being online without being penalized because I wasn't there." The Landers, who are both in their 40s, found that going back to school after a break from homework, textbooks and lectures was tough at times. "We had to get used to studying again and dedicating our time to our studies," Rosalind said. "The free time we had — some of the volunteer work we were doing — we had to cut back on. Definitely the TV — we didn't even know what that was anymore. It was a challenge." "We basically didn't have a life for the entire time we were in school," Edward laughed. Still, the classes were a great way for the Landers to develop skills that pertained to their careers and that would benefit them throughout their entire lives. "(I wanted to earn my MBA) to make myself more marketable jobwise, but also to show that you're never too old," Edward said. Though the classes were six weeks long instead of the usual eight to 10 weeks, the Landers found they preferred the shorter version because they were able to complete their degree in a shorter amount of time. "Even though it was a heavy load it was getting you done a lot faster," Rosalind said. The Landers' "heavy load" of work consisted of several 1,000 to 1,500 word papers that were due each week, along with a 13 page paper due the third and sixth week of each class. Along with papers, students were required to participate in online forum discussions with the teacher and other classmates, and their forum posts had to be of a certain length and quality. Edward thought the forum discussions were the best part of the class, despite a constant change in the student roster. "We had a lot of writingHto do and they had forums where the teacher posted questions and we answered the question based on our knowledge and also what the book has, but you're also able to bring in your personal knowledge," he said. "That's where I think the benefit was, because of the diversity of our students and our different backgrounds and experiences." Though the two students were bombarded with a massive workload in such a short amount of time, they knew that it was good practice for life outside of the classroom. "That sort of also prepares you for work because a lot of times your boss will come in and say, 'I need such and such by such and such,' and you're able to gear up and get it completed in that amount of time," Edward said. Class topics and subjects also helped the Landers develop new ways to view the way businesses and organizations work. "(The organizational leadership portion) helped solidify some of the concepts of teamwork — ensuring that the communication flow is going up and down the chain of command — along with making sure that you're working to complete those goals (of the organization)," Edward said. "What sticks with me most, other than the leadership skills and management, is the finances," Rosalind said. "That's something that your average person doesn't take a look at or understand ... Understanding the money aspect of an organization has been a nice eye opener" The experience also taught the Landers invaluable things about themselves and each other. Though, at times, working with each other could be frustrating, they were able to learn from each other and help their marriage grow. "We have different styles of writing our papers, different ways we interpret the same information, and we would have to come to a happy medium to get the work done," Edward admitted. "It helped us to communicate a little bit better and we learned about the happy medium," Rosalind added. Besides applying for Squadron Officer's School and taking an optional online course for it this year, the Landers have decided to take a year off from their studies. Eventually, Edward wants to go back and earn a doctorate in business with a special emphasis on technology or e-Commerce, but for now they are content with finishing off their basement and celebrating their success. For others who decide to go back to school or who are going for the first time, the Landers say it's important to prepare yourself mentally, be ready for the challenge, and don't give up. Eliminating distractions is a big challenge, but it's necessary. They say it's also very important to research the schools you're interested in and make sure the one you choose fits your needs. It's also important, the Landers said, to have a financial plan. Though the G.I. Bill is able to take care of the majority of tuition costs, it's still important to have a backup plan in case other costs are incurred, such as books or room and board. Edward also places emphasis on having experienced teachers. "They want to have teachers that have worked out in the industry, that know what they're talking about," he said. "Not just somebody who's just reading the textbook. That adds a whole lot to your learning." "Education is a lifelong process and the more knowledge that you have, you see things with different eyes," Edward added. "Your eyes are opened up to new possibilities, new ways of learning, and new ways of cooperating with your co-workers, your team, an^just trying to make things better."' |